Question:
In light of the spread of the Coronavirus in the U.K and other countries, I would be grateful if you can guide us regarding the following matters:
The N.H.S is advising one to regularly wash ones hands with soap, and use hand sanitizers when possible. In light of this, and considering the different products available on the market, the following queries have arisen.
1. A) If soap and hand sanitizers contain alcohol, will the use of these products be permissible?
B) Will there be a difference in ruling (Ḥukm) if the alcohol contained in the product is extracted (made from) grapes or dates.
C) In light of question 1A, if one does not know what the alcohol is made from, will its use be permissible?
2. Will the ruling of ethanol contained within soaps and hand sanitizers be the same as that of alcohol? If not can you please outline its ruling.
3. What is your genial advice regarding whether a person should use these products or avoid.
Answer:
1. If soap is available, then one must avoid using sanitizers; as soap and water fulfils the function of sanitizers. As for the fact that impure ingredients are sometimes utilized in manufacturing the soap, this is an age-old Mas’alah that our elders have resolved long ago; in that the manufacturing process of the soap makes the impure ingredients undergo a metamorphosis that changes the composition of the impure ingredients. One should hence opt for using soap and water or alcohol-free sanitizers, if available. If sourcing soap or alcohol free sanitizers is not possible and government law has made it mandatory to use sanitizers containing alcohol (when entering certain places) then it will be permitted. However, after using the sanitizer (particularly before performing Salaah) one must wash the hands as the product is considered impure.
2. Our ruling above in #1 pertains to sanitizers containing Haraam alcohol that is derived from grapes or dates. If the alcohol is not derived from grapes or dates, for example ethanol; then some Ulema have granted concession for its usage in medicinal products and cosmetics. We however, maintain the view that even these types of sanitizers must be avoided, where possible. If one is aware that it contains alcohol, but does not know its origin, then too it must be avoided.
اسپرٹ ، پٹرول ، ----اگر شراب حرا مسے بنتے ہیں اور کسی طریق سے بدبو دور کی جاتی ہے تو ناپاک ہیں اور بلا مجبوری کے استعمال ناجائز ہے ۔ فتاوی محمودیہ ص ۲۷۹ ج ۸
اس کپڑے اور بدن کے اس حصہ کو پاک کرلیا جائے جس پر اسپرٹ لگی ہے )اگرچہ وہ لگی ہوئی نظر نہ آتی ہو اور بد بو محسوس نہ ہوتی ہو ( تب نماز پڑ ھیجائے فتاوی محمودیہ ص ۲۷۷ ج ۸
3. Our general advice would thus be to utilize soap and water and avoid using alcohol-based sanitizers especially as soap and water are more beneficial than sanitizers. If a person is compelled to use alcohol-based sanitizers, then he must wash it off before performing Salaah.
Allah Ta’aala knows best!
ANSWERED BY: Mufti Mohammed Desai
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY: Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B
Date: 21 Rajab 1441
English Date: 16 March 2020
